Elvis Presley: A Visit to Graceland (1997 Reprint)

Text by Robert Barry Francos / FFanzeen, 2020

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Elvis Presley: A Visit to Graceland (1997 Reprint)

This article was originally published in a glossy magazine titled A Tribute to Elvis: 20th Anniversary Special!, by C To C Publishing, Inc. Note that there is no advertising on this blog, so there is no profit to be made by my republishing it, other than publicity for myself and the original printing organization. The article appeared on pages 78-81. Note that all values are, obviously, in 1997 USD. I have made some minor edits.

While I found it odd that the “Special” was for the 20-year anniversary of his death, rather than his birth or career, it was a fun piece to write. As everyone probably knows, Graceland is in Memphis, TN. This article was assigned to me by the the magazine's editor, my good friend and rock writer, Mary Anne Cassata.

In the 20 years since Elvis Presley went to his “ranch in the sky” – his home, Graceland, has probably become as popular as he was, and nearly as profitable. With an average of 700,000 visitors per year, Graceland has achieved the status of the second most recognized national home, following the White House. Located in a commercial district, Graceland is a patch of residential splendor surrounded by strip malls, motels, gas stations, fast food chains, and of course, plenty of gift shops, all of which are Elvis-laden.

Graceland is a 14-acre haven on a hill, where both the loyal and the curious come to respectfully meet over Elvis’ gravesite, and to see how he lived. One arrives at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard by parking in a lot across the street from the stately manor (a $2 donation is required). Here, Visitors can choose from a number of options for viewing Graceland, 362 days a year.

The main option is the Mansion Tour (Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children 7-12 $5, and under 6 free). One can visit the gift shops while waiting for the tour to start. Guests can later board a shuttle bus (which departs every 5 minutes) that takes them across the street. With their headsets on, this is where the guided tour starts. The taped tour, which was started in 1995, includes comments by Elvis, Priscilla, various people who knew him, as well as lots of Elvis’ music.

Once across Elvis Presley Boulevard, the bus passes the famous music notes front gates and drives onto Graceland property, up the grass-lined rolling driveway straight to the front porch. Visitors enter the mansion by the front door where a tour guide is in every room that’s open to the public to answer questions (the upper floors which contain the bedrooms are excluded; one of Elvis’ aunts lives upstairs).

Off to the right, through a glass archway lies the music room with a grand piano and a television set (there are plenty of television sets throughout the house). Directly ahead is the off-limits glass-lined staircase, above which hangs a lovely portrait of pre-army Elvis. Opposite is a large dining room, big enough for Elvis’ whole family and his entourage. The décor on this floor is elegant, and yet at the same time very comfortable. Also one can view the huge carpeted functional kitchen filled with appliances. This was where Elvis met with friends and associates, possibly over fried banana sandwiches.

The tour becomes even more fun when visitors go down the multi-mirrored staircase to the basement, which was the recreation area for the Presley clan. At the bottom of the staircase is a large, L-shaped leather couch. Opposite are three televisions; Elvis liked to watch them all at the same time. The décor is in black and yellow, with mirrors on the ceiling. There is also a stereo system and a full bar, stools included.

Past the bar area is the pool room with a full regulation table and a few well-cushioned chairs. This leads to the infamous “jungle” room, which contains couches, a large cozy chair, an odd-shaped wooden table, a few odd knick-knacks, and a working waterfall.

Once outside the Graceland mansion, the tour continues into an office which handles the enormous fan mail. Here a film is shown of a press conference Elvis held after his stint in the army. Following a walk past the swimming pool, racquetball court, firing range, horse pasture, and a work-out room, visitors are then ushered into a special building which houses Elvis’ trophies and other memorabilia. Here one can view his numerous gold records, portraits, jumpsuits, guitars, posters, and other assorted Elvis-related material.

As visitors leave the building – a mere 30 paces away is the Meditation Garden, the final resting place for Elvis, his mother Gladys, his father Vernon, and Vernon’s mother Minnie May. This is by far the most somber part of the tour. Flowers and remembrances are brought by fans to the site on a daily basis.

After a quick shuttle ride and collection of the headsets, visitors are deposited back at the parking lot across the street. While this part of the tour ends, there are other tours where one leaves the bus. First, there is the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum (Adults $5, Seniors $4.50, Children 7-12 $2.50). Many of Elvis’ cars, motorcycles, and three-wheel “supercycles” are here, including the infamous 1955 pink Cadillac he gave his mother. There is also a video shown while visitors sit in a re-creation of a 1950’s style drive in.

At the north end of the Plaza is the Airplane Tour (Adults, $5, Seniors $4, Children 7-12 $2.75), which is located in a replicated airport terminal that shows a video of the historic Elvis planes. The tour includes two of Elvis’ planes: the Hound Dog II Lockheed Jetstar and the Lisa Marie Jet, which visitors are permitted to walk through.

The last paid tour is called Sincerely Elvis (Adults $3.50, Seniors $3.15, Children 7-12 $2.75), where one can view such personal items as candid photos, home movies, furnishings, mementos, and many other off-stage Elvis memorabilia.

If visitors are interested in viewing all the museums, there is a bargain Platinum Tour Package, which includes all the attractions (Adults $18.50, Seniors $16.50, Children 7-17 $11).

Though there is no doubt that Elvis has become a business after his death, Graceland is a suitable icon for a cultural phenomenon – one that may never be seen again. Everyone is welcome to share what Elvis was – “Poor boys and pilgrims with families… are going to Graceland,” as Paul Simon said. So what are you waiting for?

Note: 2020 prices for the Platinum Tour: Adults $69, Seniors $62.70, Children 5-10 $38 – RBF.